June 14 - Zechariah 3

June 14 - Zechariah 3:1-10

Clean Garments for the High Priest

We see that Satan is allowed to remain in the courts of God in Job 1 and 2. We find him there in the book of Revelation as well, always as the prosecutor, the accuser. He stands before God slinging accusations about all of us. But, now, the Lord has had enough. He rebukes the accuser and stops him from his slander.

Joshua represents the priesthood of Israel. (This is not the same Joshua who was Moses' right hand man). He was dressed in filthy clothes which represent the terrible sin that the priests had allowed into the community. They were responsible for the religious life of the people and had set aside their care for personal gain.

The Lord removed the sin stained garments from the high priest and replaced them with rich garments and a clean turban. He was cleansed. The priesthood was cleansed. One of the first things that Aaron and his sons did when the institution of the priesthood was introduced was to be cleansed and made pure (Leviticus 8:5-7). A new chance for a right relationship with God is being introduced as the temple is being rebuilt in Jerusalem.

The vision makes clear that these actions are a symbol of things to come in Zechariah 3:8. There are promises being made to the priesthood. If they walk in the ways of the Lord, they will receive once again the responsibilities of governing the house of the Lord.

But, keep reading. Do you see the Messianic promise? Zech. 3:8b. "I am going to bring my servant, the Branch."

Oh, this just makes my heart pound! Isaiah 4:2, "In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the Land will be the pride and glory of the Survivors in Israel."

Isaiah 11:1, "A shoot will come up from the stomp of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding ..." (read the whole of Isaiah 11:1-16 for a glorious prophecy on the coming Messiah).

Jeremiah 23:5, "The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up to David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land."

These Messianic prophecies flow through the Old Testament. We will see this reference once more in Zechariah 6:12.

The stone that he speaks of in Zechariah 3:9 is another Messianic reference. Look at Psalm 118:22, "The stone the builders rejected has become the capstone;" and Isaiah 28:16, "See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed."

The seven eyes on this stone more than likely reflects the completeness of his wisdom and knowledge, the omniscience of the coming Messiah.

The image of the vine and fig tree is found in Micah 4:4 and is that of peace and tranquility that will exist when the Messiah reigns.

The Messiah is coming!